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Kaliya Sahni #2
Snared
Her name is Kaliya Sahni.
Resident Tribunal Executioner, bounty hunter, and the last nagini.
And she’s gotten herself wrapped up in mysteries she might never be able to solve.
Kaliya finds herself stonewalled on the questions surrounding Raphael. Unable to find the answers she needs, she is reminded that she has a real job to do. She’s still at the beck and call of the Tribunal and she’s been lax on her duties.
What should be routine quickly becomes a fight for survival as Kaliya finds herself in a situation that will test her might and quick thinking. Plagued by the idea that it somehow ties into the mysteries surrounding her new partner, Kaliya will stop at nothing to survive and continue her search for the truth.
However, one thing is certain.
Kaliya’s the one being hunted now.
Resident Tribunal Executioner, bounty hunter, and the last nagini.
And she’s gotten herself wrapped up in mysteries she might never be able to solve.
Kaliya finds herself stonewalled on the questions surrounding Raphael. Unable to find the answers she needs, she is reminded that she has a real job to do. She’s still at the beck and call of the Tribunal and she’s been lax on her duties.
What should be routine quickly becomes a fight for survival as Kaliya finds herself in a situation that will test her might and quick thinking. Plagued by the idea that it somehow ties into the mysteries surrounding her new partner, Kaliya will stop at nothing to survive and continue her search for the truth.
However, one thing is certain.
Kaliya’s the one being hunted now.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2020
434 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Banet
36 books714 followersAuthor of the Jacky Leon series, Kaliya Sahni series, and Everly Abbott series, along with standalones that belong in the same world as all of them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 22, 2020
This is second in a series that builds over time. So definitely read them in order. They're less connected to the Jacky Leon series at this point, though the author supplies a complete timeline somewhere with a link she gives in the book.
Having read the first, you know mostly what this one will be. Kaliya and Raphael are still working (and living) together, though it has been four months of semi-stasis on anything emotional or relationship between books. As it must be because readers want the relationship movements and having them happen off-page sucks. So whatever.
And things do develop a bit in this one, brought on by crisis and working closely together on shared goals. Seeing Raph and Kaliya open up was a lot of fun and having him run into her sensitivities was interesting. Particularly as by this time he has enough trust that she can't just brush him off. Dragging this down is a somewhat lame negative motivation* on her part. Yeah, her life has sucked and she doesn't handle relationships well. But he's an obviously good guy and her hesitation to open up to him at this point is increasingly silly.
The plot is as solid as the first and I really liked seeing Kaliya and Raphael working together. Seriously, their dynamic is outstanding and the action is awesome. I can't wait to pick up the next book as I want more movement on the over-arching plot for this series. We get just barely enough to keep me from grousing in this one so I really hope Banet isn't drip-drip-dripping for some unnatural reason. Signs look good, though, because some things fall together by the end so I'm hopeful.
Anyway, this is a solid four stars with the relationship being the main reason it isn't higher. I like it, don't get me wrong. The hesitation just doesn't hold together and it feels a bit manipulated to keep the brakes on as hard as they are.
A note about Steamy: As hard as the brakes are on, they still manage an explicit sex scene by the end putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It worked well-enough, though again, by this time I don't get Kaliya's hesitation to trust Raphael. It makes no sense to me.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
Having read the first, you know mostly what this one will be. Kaliya and Raphael are still working (and living) together, though it has been four months of semi-stasis on anything emotional or relationship between books. As it must be because readers want the relationship movements and having them happen off-page sucks. So whatever.
And things do develop a bit in this one, brought on by crisis and working closely together on shared goals. Seeing Raph and Kaliya open up was a lot of fun and having him run into her sensitivities was interesting. Particularly as by this time he has enough trust that she can't just brush him off. Dragging this down is a somewhat lame negative motivation* on her part. Yeah, her life has sucked and she doesn't handle relationships well. But he's an obviously good guy and her hesitation to open up to him at this point is increasingly silly.
The plot is as solid as the first and I really liked seeing Kaliya and Raphael working together. Seriously, their dynamic is outstanding and the action is awesome. I can't wait to pick up the next book as I want more movement on the over-arching plot for this series. We get just barely enough to keep me from grousing in this one so I really hope Banet isn't drip-drip-dripping for some unnatural reason. Signs look good, though, because some things fall together by the end so I'm hopeful.
Anyway, this is a solid four stars with the relationship being the main reason it isn't higher. I like it, don't get me wrong. The hesitation just doesn't hold together and it feels a bit manipulated to keep the brakes on as hard as they are.
A note about Steamy: As hard as the brakes are on, they still manage an explicit sex scene by the end putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It worked well-enough, though again, by this time I don't get Kaliya's hesitation to trust Raphael. It makes no sense to me.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
July 17, 2020
Kaliya deals with the very worst of the supernatural community. The killers and the politicians. And sometimes they are one and the same.
While performing a prison inspection, she and Raphael are attacked and find themselves battling for their lives. Not only must they stay alive, they need to find out who orchestrated the attack and who was the target. Kaliya or Raphael?
Kristen Banet's Jacky Leon series is very much Urban Fantasy but Kaliya Sahni despite being set in the same world feels a little different. It's a Marvel Superhero Comic. You can almost see the characters rendered in beautifully illustrated panels. It's like standing in front of a speaker stack at a concert. It pounds into you from beginning to end.
Loved this book.
A review copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
While performing a prison inspection, she and Raphael are attacked and find themselves battling for their lives. Not only must they stay alive, they need to find out who orchestrated the attack and who was the target. Kaliya or Raphael?
Kristen Banet's Jacky Leon series is very much Urban Fantasy but Kaliya Sahni despite being set in the same world feels a little different. It's a Marvel Superhero Comic. You can almost see the characters rendered in beautifully illustrated panels. It's like standing in front of a speaker stack at a concert. It pounds into you from beginning to end.
Loved this book.
A review copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2020
Trigger Warning: Rape (SA past and mental), Mental Illness and Grief
I am a definite fan and really enjoyed Snared, my only complaint... Having to wait for the next book! Reader problems. Lol
I love the growth of Kaliya and seeing Raphael open up. We get some answers, more questions, a few connections and a glimpse of why Kaliya is so hard and distant. It was heartbreaking and painful. As if I needed more reason to love The Assassin from the Jacky Leon series and more was given. Though I wouldn't want to be trained by him. Lol
I recommend anyone reading these books to check out the FB page for the Banet readers. It has several great additional scenes.
Favorite lines/quotes:
"When is everyone going to remember my literal job description is 'kill people'..."
... That would be weird.
... You suffered a head wound, not a lobotomy.
He wasn't a threat to my species - only my peace of mind.
"You are full of yourself," mumbled .... "But not wrong."
So many others, but I don't want to spoil it.
I am a definite fan and really enjoyed Snared, my only complaint... Having to wait for the next book! Reader problems. Lol
I love the growth of Kaliya and seeing Raphael open up. We get some answers, more questions, a few connections and a glimpse of why Kaliya is so hard and distant. It was heartbreaking and painful. As if I needed more reason to love The Assassin from the Jacky Leon series and more was given. Though I wouldn't want to be trained by him. Lol
I recommend anyone reading these books to check out the FB page for the Banet readers. It has several great additional scenes.
Favorite lines/quotes:
"When is everyone going to remember my literal job description is 'kill people'..."
... That would be weird.
... You suffered a head wound, not a lobotomy.
He wasn't a threat to my species - only my peace of mind.
"You are full of yourself," mumbled .... "But not wrong."
So many others, but I don't want to spoil it.
July 24, 2020
The wait for this sequel nearly killed me.
Book 1 set the bar really high and maybe that’s why it fell short of the full 5 stars for me.
I absolutely love Kaliya and Raph. What I hate is secrets. I understand the need the draw major plot points out but I’m always waiting for someone to
What I loved most from book 1 was not only the major attraction between the 2 but Kaliya snake like behaviour. It plays a big role in the originality of this series. Apart from fangs dropping every chapter there was very little snake action. I did miss that!
What it did have was absolutely LOADS of action! Which was great. It’s not a spoiler to say this book involves a prison and some really dangerous prisoners.
Kaliya is still a bitch and I can totally get on board with that. She stays true to her independent nature and the proximity of Raph (although wonderful for me) grates on her. Raph started to understand her better and she starts to trust him. It makes for a better slower build romance. Despite her mating instincts wanting to get close to him she gets to know him and develop feelings for him instead of it only being attraction.
I really love this series and will be on the look out for book 3. I thought I loved it more than Jacky Leon but now that I’ve had more... Jacky still wears the crown .
Book 1 set the bar really high and maybe that’s why it fell short of the full 5 stars for me.
I absolutely love Kaliya and Raph. What I hate is secrets. I understand the need the draw major plot points out but I’m always waiting for someone to
What I loved most from book 1 was not only the major attraction between the 2 but Kaliya snake like behaviour. It plays a big role in the originality of this series. Apart from fangs dropping every chapter there was very little snake action. I did miss that!
What it did have was absolutely LOADS of action! Which was great. It’s not a spoiler to say this book involves a prison and some really dangerous prisoners.
Kaliya is still a bitch and I can totally get on board with that. She stays true to her independent nature and the proximity of Raph (although wonderful for me) grates on her. Raph started to understand her better and she starts to trust him. It makes for a better slower build romance. Despite her mating instincts wanting to get close to him she gets to know him and develop feelings for him instead of it only being attraction.
I really love this series and will be on the look out for book 3. I thought I loved it more than Jacky Leon but now that I’ve had more... Jacky still wears the crown .
July 15, 2020
This was so, so, so good!
Kristen Banet is one of my favourite authors because I love the way she writes the female leads and her world building is top notch. There's just a...credability to her writing that isn't there in a lot of paranormal or Urban Fantasy books.
I am a huge fan of her Redemption Saga and Jacky Leon series, but after the first book in this series I didn't connect with Kaliya as much as Sawyer and Jacky. She's much more standoffish and distant than they are, even though her reasons are totally genuine.
However, I really feel like Banet masterfully peeled back more of her layers in this book and I enjoyed what I saw. She is growing as a character in small, but believable ways.
Raph is also growing as well, and I love that the same attention is guven to his character development as well. He's not just the token 'guy' who's there to fulfill the romance quota.
The progression of their relationship is slow burn in the best possible of ways. I can tell when I hooked into a good slow burn because I re read what little romantic interaction there is several times.
Needless to say, this is an UF book, so the plot is very much the main focus - which is engaging from the start - but there is some great relationship development simmering away in the background, which is just perfect. And it's refreshingly not all about the physical attraction - it's about emotionally breaking down some of the barriers between them.
I also love the Kaliya isn't infallible. She may be highly trained and a super rare supernatural with a deadly bite, but in many ways she's only as strong and as a breakable as a regular human. I love this baiut her character.
So all in all, I completely adored it and am desperate for more. Hopefully the new Jacky book will be out soon to ease my cravings.
Kristen Banet is one of my favourite authors because I love the way she writes the female leads and her world building is top notch. There's just a...credability to her writing that isn't there in a lot of paranormal or Urban Fantasy books.
I am a huge fan of her Redemption Saga and Jacky Leon series, but after the first book in this series I didn't connect with Kaliya as much as Sawyer and Jacky. She's much more standoffish and distant than they are, even though her reasons are totally genuine.
However, I really feel like Banet masterfully peeled back more of her layers in this book and I enjoyed what I saw. She is growing as a character in small, but believable ways.
Raph is also growing as well, and I love that the same attention is guven to his character development as well. He's not just the token 'guy' who's there to fulfill the romance quota.
The progression of their relationship is slow burn in the best possible of ways. I can tell when I hooked into a good slow burn because I re read what little romantic interaction there is several times.
Needless to say, this is an UF book, so the plot is very much the main focus - which is engaging from the start - but there is some great relationship development simmering away in the background, which is just perfect. And it's refreshingly not all about the physical attraction - it's about emotionally breaking down some of the barriers between them.
I also love the Kaliya isn't infallible. She may be highly trained and a super rare supernatural with a deadly bite, but in many ways she's only as strong and as a breakable as a regular human. I love this baiut her character.
So all in all, I completely adored it and am desperate for more. Hopefully the new Jacky book will be out soon to ease my cravings.
August 19, 2024
That was freaking awesome. The editing was a little sloppy but the story was fire.
November 2, 2021
Hmm, not sure how I feel about this one. The lack of emotional connection between Kal and Dom is kinda worrisome. Spoiler- they do hook-up physically at the end but its just portrayed as sex, no emotion, no strings and only kind of hot. Yet later, Dom wants to make it clear to others that he and Kal are together. I'm not liking this as much a Jacky and Heath... but maybe the next book will flip it all open.
This is one elaborate scheme to kill Kal, I gotta hand it to Banet, she builds a very well crafted plot! Jail break of supernatural creeps and they have been spelled or bribed to kill Kal. So they can get Dom. Its pretty layered but well done. All the fae were gone, so we get introduced to the witches.
Its interesting how all these goods and services cost millions, not just hundreds of thousands and they go from 3 million to 4 million. Just tossin' the dollars around. And Dom isn't making too much noise about being a kept man, so that may be coming?
This is one elaborate scheme to kill Kal, I gotta hand it to Banet, she builds a very well crafted plot! Jail break of supernatural creeps and they have been spelled or bribed to kill Kal. So they can get Dom. Its pretty layered but well done. All the fae were gone, so we get introduced to the witches.
Its interesting how all these goods and services cost millions, not just hundreds of thousands and they go from 3 million to 4 million. Just tossin' the dollars around. And Dom isn't making too much noise about being a kept man, so that may be coming?
July 16, 2020
The Kaliya Sahni's series despite being in the same universe as Jacky Leon is a lot more involved. It focuses more on the other species, the involvement of witches fae etc. And how the politics work.
I'm a little bit let down by this book to be honest. Still a fantastic instalment, but I think my expectations were too high
The beginning of the book felt awkward. The flaunting of money, the bar scene with Cassius and Sorcha. definitely the weakest point in the book.
The book definitely picks up once we get to the prison. The action scenes are engaging and easy to follow. The villain was very meh, just a bunch of big bads that could be nameless and faceless.
I really really really don't like Sorcha, every time she's on screen my enjoyment of the book goes down. She's irritating, seems kind of idiotic and mostly very very very annoying. I get that Cassius likes his dangerous woman, but why in the world did he marry her??? I really can't see what he sees in her.
Theres a decent amount of character growth. We learn more about Kaliya's past and the Nagy in general. Definitely a highlight of the books.
The whole Kaliya finding out Rafael is into her by him mumbling to himself, it seemed like a cop out...
I also love how Miss Banet is dealing with the whole biological mate and relationship between Kaliya and Raphael. Usually its the woman who's kept in the dark and the man who's in a position of power dealing with deciding whether to pursue it and what not. I like that the script has been flipped. I really enjoyed the conversations b/w out two LI's. Kaliya and Raphael have been living together for the past 4 months and its nice to see the progression of their relationship. They worked as a team, they communicated well and were open with what was going on. And I'm a sucker for relationships built on healthy communication. You really see how the layers of the characters are unravelled. Also I like that they shifted to casual hook ups before full blown dating. With all the issues and baggage that everyone has, it would be nonsensical to make such a commitment.
I also really like how Kaliya compared Raphael to Cassius, because he was until now. The closest thing to a real romantic entanglement (thank you Jada Smith for my new favourite word), and its something I feel like most people do. It makes sense.
The plot was concise with the mystery being intriguing, I liked the investigative work that they had to do. Theres still a lot of exposition going on.
Compared to the Jacky Leon series, I definitely prefer the other one. But I still genuinely enjoyed this book
I'm a little bit let down by this book to be honest. Still a fantastic instalment, but I think my expectations were too high
The beginning of the book felt awkward. The flaunting of money, the bar scene with Cassius and Sorcha. definitely the weakest point in the book.
The book definitely picks up once we get to the prison. The action scenes are engaging and easy to follow. The villain was very meh, just a bunch of big bads that could be nameless and faceless.
I really really really don't like Sorcha, every time she's on screen my enjoyment of the book goes down. She's irritating, seems kind of idiotic and mostly very very very annoying. I get that Cassius likes his dangerous woman, but why in the world did he marry her??? I really can't see what he sees in her.
Theres a decent amount of character growth. We learn more about Kaliya's past and the Nagy in general. Definitely a highlight of the books.
The whole Kaliya finding out Rafael is into her by him mumbling to himself, it seemed like a cop out...
I also love how Miss Banet is dealing with the whole biological mate and relationship between Kaliya and Raphael. Usually its the woman who's kept in the dark and the man who's in a position of power dealing with deciding whether to pursue it and what not. I like that the script has been flipped. I really enjoyed the conversations b/w out two LI's. Kaliya and Raphael have been living together for the past 4 months and its nice to see the progression of their relationship. They worked as a team, they communicated well and were open with what was going on. And I'm a sucker for relationships built on healthy communication. You really see how the layers of the characters are unravelled. Also I like that they shifted to casual hook ups before full blown dating. With all the issues and baggage that everyone has, it would be nonsensical to make such a commitment.
I also really like how Kaliya compared Raphael to Cassius, because he was until now. The closest thing to a real romantic entanglement (thank you Jada Smith for my new favourite word), and its something I feel like most people do. It makes sense.
The plot was concise with the mystery being intriguing, I liked the investigative work that they had to do. Theres still a lot of exposition going on.
Compared to the Jacky Leon series, I definitely prefer the other one. But I still genuinely enjoyed this book
April 5, 2022
This is a really tough series for me.
I like the plot. But I don't like the characters very much. And I don't like Kaliya at all. I get she's got bad shit in her past, but in this book she was the horrifying trifecta of Bitchy (at all times, constantly) + Condescending (how dare she make Raphael's choices for him ... I seriously hate this trope) + TSTL (yes, really).
Kaliya is supposed to be this big badass that everyone is intimidated by because she's a killer. But she makes terrible decisions, misses obvious connections, and gets her ass kicked A LOT. She was in a lot of fights in this book, and in all but one of them, she would have died with a whimper if Raphael hadn't saved her ass.
That's not a badass. That's pathetic. I mean, seriously, if you're going to give me a big, badass bitch, at least make her fucking capable. She feels like she just bumbles through life snarling at people. I guess it's good that as an Executioner most of the time she's cutting off the head of a criminal who is in chains at a trial, since it's probably hard to fuck that up.
I just can't even say how unimpressed by her I am. So unimpressed that Hisao has come down a few notches in my estimation, since he trained her.
Raphael got better in this book - he's like an earnest puppy - though he still sometimes comes off as surprisingly judgey.
Cassius got worse. I suppose that had to happen, though, or the readers would always wonder why he and Kaliya aren't together. He's super judgey, and just ... off somehow. It is hard to put my finger on it. But the care he seemed to have in the last book seems to have dried up here.
But you know, I really like the story. The mysteries - who is trying to wipe out the nagas? what is Raphael and what did Mygi have to do with it? - are compelling. But I'm really shouting at my kindle a lot. Does Kaliya stay like this for the whole series, or does she grow the fuck up at some point?
I like the plot. But I don't like the characters very much. And I don't like Kaliya at all. I get she's got bad shit in her past, but in this book she was the horrifying trifecta of Bitchy (at all times, constantly) + Condescending (how dare she make Raphael's choices for him ... I seriously hate this trope) + TSTL (yes, really).
Kaliya is supposed to be this big badass that everyone is intimidated by because she's a killer. But she makes terrible decisions, misses obvious connections, and gets her ass kicked A LOT. She was in a lot of fights in this book, and in all but one of them, she would have died with a whimper if Raphael hadn't saved her ass.
That's not a badass. That's pathetic. I mean, seriously, if you're going to give me a big, badass bitch, at least make her fucking capable. She feels like she just bumbles through life snarling at people. I guess it's good that as an Executioner most of the time she's cutting off the head of a criminal who is in chains at a trial, since it's probably hard to fuck that up.
I just can't even say how unimpressed by her I am. So unimpressed that Hisao has come down a few notches in my estimation, since he trained her.
Raphael got better in this book - he's like an earnest puppy - though he still sometimes comes off as surprisingly judgey.
Cassius got worse. I suppose that had to happen, though, or the readers would always wonder why he and Kaliya aren't together. He's super judgey, and just ... off somehow. It is hard to put my finger on it. But the care he seemed to have in the last book seems to have dried up here.
But you know, I really like the story. The mysteries - who is trying to wipe out the nagas? what is Raphael and what did Mygi have to do with it? - are compelling. But I'm really shouting at my kindle a lot. Does Kaliya stay like this for the whole series, or does she grow the fuck up at some point?
September 5, 2021
DNF at 40 ish%
A. She's really unlikable.
B. She turns into a poisonous giant snake - milks her fangs, etc. This is mentioned repeatedly... In detail. Things that aren't sexy, but quite gross.
C. Did I mention she's unlikable? And her love interest is almost impossible to kill, she treats him like a weak beta.. Really?!
D. She's the last female of her species. Literally, the LAST ONE.
Now image, it's 1920s India, her family is murdered (no spoilers this is all in book 1) - 1920s India, she's the last female of her SPECIES because many have been murdered, etc., with me so far? The others want to her to get married and procreate so they don't die out.... In 1920s India.
And now it's a century later and she is angry about it and explains it was because of..
Sexism and the patriarchy. Of course! 🙄
It's the patriarchy's fault only she can produce any more of her species. So sexist of biology.
🙈
A. She's really unlikable.
B. She turns into a poisonous giant snake - milks her fangs, etc. This is mentioned repeatedly... In detail. Things that aren't sexy, but quite gross.
C. Did I mention she's unlikable? And her love interest is almost impossible to kill, she treats him like a weak beta.. Really?!
D. She's the last female of her species. Literally, the LAST ONE.
Now image, it's 1920s India, her family is murdered (no spoilers this is all in book 1) - 1920s India, she's the last female of her SPECIES because many have been murdered, etc., with me so far? The others want to her to get married and procreate so they don't die out.... In 1920s India.
And now it's a century later and she is angry about it and explains it was because of..
Sexism and the patriarchy. Of course! 🙄
It's the patriarchy's fault only she can produce any more of her species. So sexist of biology.
🙈
September 4, 2020
3 stars
Exciting stuff, can’t wait to dive into this conspiracy.
Exciting stuff, can’t wait to dive into this conspiracy.
July 18, 2020
This has a very different feeling to it than the Jacky books even though it is in the same universe. Kalyia is interesting, particularly as a snake shifter, who if they exist in other books usually is the bad guy. It takes a little longer to warm up to her than Jacky but she has grown on me. I like that she is a little harder to hurt than a human and heals a little quicker than a human but she doesn't have a lot of superpowers other than being able to shift forms and having a very lethal bit. She has to work out 2 to 3 hours a day to be in top form for her job. It's work. As it should be.
The slow burn with Raphael is developing nicely. Glad that it wasn't see each other fall into bed. There is something to be said for a slow development.
Good story and nice to see a previous unknown aspect of this world.
The slow burn with Raphael is developing nicely. Glad that it wasn't see each other fall into bed. There is something to be said for a slow development.
Good story and nice to see a previous unknown aspect of this world.
February 3, 2022
As I suspected, things pick up quite nicely in this second installment of the Kaliya Sahni series. We learn more about what makes Kaliya the way she is and she and Raphael begin to grow close, albeit VERY slowly. I do wish she weren’t so closed off. After how wonderful Raphael is, how strong and supportive he is of her even when she is so rude and unlikeable to him, it would have made the story perfect to have allowed her to show at least a bit more kindness back. That is honestly the only drawback to this book. The rest is action-packed, intriguing and all kinds of fun to read!
July 16, 2020
I loved this continuation of the story, kaliya is a complex character who really doesn’t trust anyone but her. She finds herself attacked and being the hunted rather than the hunter and it forces her to rely on Raphael more. Their relationship develops at a snails pace but that’s the beauty of it, the sexual tension will light you on fire.
10 points to griffindor for all the supes and how well they are described and ordered within this world. By now we all know KN banet is LEGENDARY when it comes to world building. I ADORE Raph, he isn’t pushy, he is patient and yet keen and pursues kaliya he wants her but waits her her to come to him because he knows if he pushed the issue she would flip and run away.
The only ONLY complaint is that I would have liked a LONGER sex scene.. two books worth of work up and I would have liked more, but this series is more urban fantasy than romance- the romance is a big factor but it’s not the most dominant aspect of the book. Kaliya remains the focus which is important and for me is a total winner.
This series is a total winner and I’m DYING for the next one like NOW. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
10 points to griffindor for all the supes and how well they are described and ordered within this world. By now we all know KN banet is LEGENDARY when it comes to world building. I ADORE Raph, he isn’t pushy, he is patient and yet keen and pursues kaliya he wants her but waits her her to come to him because he knows if he pushed the issue she would flip and run away.
The only ONLY complaint is that I would have liked a LONGER sex scene.. two books worth of work up and I would have liked more, but this series is more urban fantasy than romance- the romance is a big factor but it’s not the most dominant aspect of the book. Kaliya remains the focus which is important and for me is a total winner.
This series is a total winner and I’m DYING for the next one like NOW. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 20, 2021
The mysteries surrounding Kaliya and her reluctant charge, Raphael, come to a head in this second installment of this off-shoot Tribunal Series, though no true answers are found. Instead, the pair (who actually start talking and trying to understand each other here) are thrust into an unexpected conspiracy - with Kaliya right in the middle.
A prison break, memory spells, deadly battles and hints of intrigue - it all comes out to play and dance with this duo, while some of their closest and strongest allies are off world for reasons of their own. It's dangerous, exciting and, of course, very, very bloody.
In true Banet style, by the time the final paragraph ends, we are even more invested in the lives and adventures of these characters - and left wondering what the next steps are going to be. The mysteries from book 1 only grow deeper here, and more insidious, dragging up the past and showcasing possibilities that may, or may not, be connected. All that is backed by the simmering drama between Kaliya and Raph... and what she hasn't told him yet.
Frankly, I love it, and I can't wait to see where things go from here. Oh, and Sorcha! I want to know more about her! I need HER story too, she's an equal bad@ss in a world of bad@sses, and I kinda love her.
*I received an ARC of this book and am thrilled to share my honest opinion*
Perspective
First Person, Single POV
Ending Type
Episodic with hook
Rating
Mature
Romantic Dynamic
M/F
Character Age Range
Adult
My Final Verdict on Snared
Exciting and action packed, this is an Urban Fantasy that focuses on the adventure and the intrigue, pulling the characters and the reader into a high-octane quest with little end in sight. Fast, brutal and wonderful.
A prison break, memory spells, deadly battles and hints of intrigue - it all comes out to play and dance with this duo, while some of their closest and strongest allies are off world for reasons of their own. It's dangerous, exciting and, of course, very, very bloody.
In true Banet style, by the time the final paragraph ends, we are even more invested in the lives and adventures of these characters - and left wondering what the next steps are going to be. The mysteries from book 1 only grow deeper here, and more insidious, dragging up the past and showcasing possibilities that may, or may not, be connected. All that is backed by the simmering drama between Kaliya and Raph... and what she hasn't told him yet.
Frankly, I love it, and I can't wait to see where things go from here. Oh, and Sorcha! I want to know more about her! I need HER story too, she's an equal bad@ss in a world of bad@sses, and I kinda love her.
*I received an ARC of this book and am thrilled to share my honest opinion*
Perspective
First Person, Single POV
Ending Type
Episodic with hook
Rating
Mature
Romantic Dynamic
M/F
Character Age Range
Adult
My Final Verdict on Snared
Exciting and action packed, this is an Urban Fantasy that focuses on the adventure and the intrigue, pulling the characters and the reader into a high-octane quest with little end in sight. Fast, brutal and wonderful.
July 8, 2020
Snared is the second book in this series and if anything it was even more exciting and enticing than the first.
I had SO many questions after the first book and knowing this was a 6 book series it was really clever of Kristen Banet to leave so much mystery for us, stringing us along with tidbits and snippets of feelings. Because wow is it compelling. This book answered just a few of those questions and left so many more and has really drawn me deeper into Kaliyas life and she is quite quickly becoming one of my favourite Kristen Banet characters. To be honest, I really just want to create my own 'board' to figure this all out!
This next book in Kaliya's journey was an absolutely action-packed. I felt like if it wasn't action it was the sexual tension between Kaliya and Raphael and I literally couldn't put this one down. I thought the (story & emotional) journeys that these two characters went on was really exciting and their development individually and together was really interesting. There were fascinating snippets of Kaliya's past and great moments of growth. The depth of her flaws as a character and a person are really compelling and seem to really resonate with me as a reader, even though I've obvious neve had such hardships. It's definitely not hard for me to connect emotionally with Kaliya, something about her and the way the Banet writes just hits me in all the emotions all the time, especially in the way she refuses to accept those feelings and emotions.
One of my favourite things about this book is the way that it's written from Kaliya's pov. I love how she is always frustrated at not knowing Raphael's thoughts which as a reader I am too (obviously) and the clever way around this.
I have so many theories in this mystery now and I cannot wait to discuss them all in the spoiler event and Kristen Banet's Facebook group.
I had SO many questions after the first book and knowing this was a 6 book series it was really clever of Kristen Banet to leave so much mystery for us, stringing us along with tidbits and snippets of feelings. Because wow is it compelling. This book answered just a few of those questions and left so many more and has really drawn me deeper into Kaliyas life and she is quite quickly becoming one of my favourite Kristen Banet characters. To be honest, I really just want to create my own 'board' to figure this all out!
This next book in Kaliya's journey was an absolutely action-packed. I felt like if it wasn't action it was the sexual tension between Kaliya and Raphael and I literally couldn't put this one down. I thought the (story & emotional) journeys that these two characters went on was really exciting and their development individually and together was really interesting. There were fascinating snippets of Kaliya's past and great moments of growth. The depth of her flaws as a character and a person are really compelling and seem to really resonate with me as a reader, even though I've obvious neve had such hardships. It's definitely not hard for me to connect emotionally with Kaliya, something about her and the way the Banet writes just hits me in all the emotions all the time, especially in the way she refuses to accept those feelings and emotions.
One of my favourite things about this book is the way that it's written from Kaliya's pov. I love how she is always frustrated at not knowing Raphael's thoughts which as a reader I am too (obviously) and the clever way around this.
I have so many theories in this mystery now and I cannot wait to discuss them all in the spoiler event and Kristen Banet's Facebook group.
July 27, 2020
This one got very messy, so many things going on it took Kaliya a bit to unravel things and when she did...well there was killing to be done. In amid all of this there were some quiet times that Kaliya spent with Raphael, she filling him in on more of the supernatural world, on her people and her past. All of this and lots of sexual tension. Raphael did a great job of being the sidekick, there to help when needed, in the background when not. There were times when he totally saved Kaliya's ass, when he was there to peel her off the floor after being hurt, but through it all he was right there, helping her discover what was going on. In fact Raphael made the connection to the larger conspiracy. Not a lot of movement on that aspect of things, but you can see there will be soon.
I think some of my favorite parts of this one were the phone calls between Kaliya and her council contact. You get the feeling that while Kaliya exacerbates him, he likes her too.
I'm looking forward to the next book, want to see Kaliya and Raphael now that there relationship has changed and if she is finally going to tell him her secret.
I think some of my favorite parts of this one were the phone calls between Kaliya and her council contact. You get the feeling that while Kaliya exacerbates him, he likes her too.
I'm looking forward to the next book, want to see Kaliya and Raphael now that there relationship has changed and if she is finally going to tell him her secret.
January 18, 2023
A different situation
Kaliya is coming to the idea that someone (or someone’s) out there wants to kill her. Since she’s usually the one doing the killing this throws her off her game, to say the least. Along with that she has to keep training someone who she’d rather jump while not telling anyone about her attraction to him.
Then she becomes involved in a massive plot, again by persons unknown she has to unravel. So life as usual for her?
Kaliya is coming to the idea that someone (or someone’s) out there wants to kill her. Since she’s usually the one doing the killing this throws her off her game, to say the least. Along with that she has to keep training someone who she’d rather jump while not telling anyone about her attraction to him.
Then she becomes involved in a massive plot, again by persons unknown she has to unravel. So life as usual for her?
August 1, 2020
Another enjoyable book in this series
A well written and entertaining series. Full of action packed scenes with a fast paced storyline. A fun and entertaining read. The conspiracy level gets more complex and intriguing and unfortunately no answers are provided about Raphael yet. Hopefully this will be addressed in the next book. Highly recommend.
A well written and entertaining series. Full of action packed scenes with a fast paced storyline. A fun and entertaining read. The conspiracy level gets more complex and intriguing and unfortunately no answers are provided about Raphael yet. Hopefully this will be addressed in the next book. Highly recommend.
April 1, 2021
Snared, the second book of the Kaliya Sahni series, is an ebook I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. Awesome plot for this story and I love the way myth and culture are worked into the sub plots. I don't think this author is capable of writing a bad book.
June 17, 2024
4 Stars:)
March 10, 2025
4.4
really enjoyed this!
really enjoyed this!
October 26, 2021
In this second book, Kaliya has won a type of responsibility or guardianship for Rafael in his new world. It has become apparent that he is not completely human, but no one is exactly sure what he is. Kaliya, with her sparkling personality (not) is having a hard time because she is very used to a solitary existence (and remember, in the first review I mentioned that she is not a really likeable person). The fact that she is beyond attracted to Rafael, but has decided to never act upon it only makes her crankier and really really bitchy.
Things are beginning to heat up and between people trying to kill them and Kaliya trying to push Rafael away - it makes for an interesting plot. I am still having a bit of a hard time liking her. But, I am trying.....
Things are beginning to heat up and between people trying to kill them and Kaliya trying to push Rafael away - it makes for an interesting plot. I am still having a bit of a hard time liking her. But, I am trying.....
August 8, 2020
The beginning of this book felt bumpy and she was annoying me with the constant reference to how much more money she had vs Rafael. The sexual abuse and rape references caught me by surprise but they were subtle.
Despite all that, I did enjoy the book quite a bit. I was able to guess the true identity of the perpetrator easily but that didnt deter from the book. It was nice to see Kaliya and Rafael work together well. I enjoyed reading more about the background of the Nagas and why Kaliya has what is a male name culturally. The reference to Kaliya Naag was also well written.
Hasan was as usual a delight and I like this world enough to continue.
Despite all that, I did enjoy the book quite a bit. I was able to guess the true identity of the perpetrator easily but that didnt deter from the book. It was nice to see Kaliya and Rafael work together well. I enjoyed reading more about the background of the Nagas and why Kaliya has what is a male name culturally. The reference to Kaliya Naag was also well written.
Hasan was as usual a delight and I like this world enough to continue.
January 15, 2021
3.5 stars.
I still don’t particularly like Kaliya. I like the Kaliya-Raphael dynamics though. And her friendship with Cassius. Sorcha I dunno. Just too bubbly I guess be it fake or not.
Howeverrrr I think I will be continuing with the series. It’s nice to see this look into the tribunal and Hasan. Plus i think Hisao has some screen time in the next book? That’s always a game changer.
This series, in my opinion, is definitely not on par with Jacky Leon series. But like I said before, the new POV is kinda refreshing. Jacky was a lot secluded and kept too much to herself to fully explore this new world Banet has created for us.
I still don’t particularly like Kaliya. I like the Kaliya-Raphael dynamics though. And her friendship with Cassius. Sorcha I dunno. Just too bubbly I guess be it fake or not.
Howeverrrr I think I will be continuing with the series. It’s nice to see this look into the tribunal and Hasan. Plus i think Hisao has some screen time in the next book? That’s always a game changer.
This series, in my opinion, is definitely not on par with Jacky Leon series. But like I said before, the new POV is kinda refreshing. Jacky was a lot secluded and kept too much to herself to fully explore this new world Banet has created for us.
July 16, 2020
Another great book from Kristen Banet!
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this! It's got tons of ass kicking, fighting for your life, and so much more! We learn a little more back story on both our MC's, but we still have tons of unanswered questions. I'll be impatiently waiting to find out where Kristen will take us in the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book.
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this! It's got tons of ass kicking, fighting for your life, and so much more! We learn a little more back story on both our MC's, but we still have tons of unanswered questions. I'll be impatiently waiting to find out where Kristen will take us in the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book.
November 21, 2021
Kaliya and Raphael still have a long way before unraveling the mystery behind Raphael's memory and his supernatural nature. Moreover, someone is still out to kill them and this time they enlist the help of some of the worst criminal in the prison near Kaliya's house.
I can't stop myself from turning the page. It's packed full of adventure and action and I want to see how the relationship between Kaliya and Raphael develops.
I can't stop myself from turning the page. It's packed full of adventure and action and I want to see how the relationship between Kaliya and Raphael develops.
April 6, 2021
“Snared” is the exciting second book in the Kaliya Sahni series. It’s been about four months since Raphael has been living under the protection of Kayliya and Cassius. They are now living in her condo in Phoenix while her house is undergoing upgrades and repairs. Then, the tribunal sends Kayliya on a routine mission to visit and document the protocols at the supernatural prison in the desert and all hell breaks loose.
Upon arrival at the prison Kayliya comes face to face with many of the prisoners she placed there. She even runs into her Uncle who tries to warn her that she is in danger. That’s when an explosion takes place and prisoners escape but not before many of them try to kill her. With Raphael’s help they manage to live to fight another day.
One of the greatest threats is a witch named Levi who can control the weather. He sends forth an epic storm threatening to demolish the city. Kayliya calls in a few favors and puts the city on lockdown. Of course Cassius and his wife,Sorcha have been called back to Faerie and cannot be reached. This is a hot mess and Kayliya will find out this will be her biggest challenge to date. The question is will she be able to untangle the plots before someone actually kills her?
This installment was chocked full of action, intrigue abs subterfuge. It took quite a while to figure out who was behind all of the plots on Kayliya’s life. This also provides background information as to who the key players in this series is going to be in future installments. One of my favorite aspects of this read is how Raphael has grown on me and is managing to break down all of the barriers Kayliya has built around herself; but, I’d she doesn’t come clean about his real importance to her there might be a huge rift the side of the hole in the Titanic to deal with. Only time will tell.
Upon arrival at the prison Kayliya comes face to face with many of the prisoners she placed there. She even runs into her Uncle who tries to warn her that she is in danger. That’s when an explosion takes place and prisoners escape but not before many of them try to kill her. With Raphael’s help they manage to live to fight another day.
One of the greatest threats is a witch named Levi who can control the weather. He sends forth an epic storm threatening to demolish the city. Kayliya calls in a few favors and puts the city on lockdown. Of course Cassius and his wife,Sorcha have been called back to Faerie and cannot be reached. This is a hot mess and Kayliya will find out this will be her biggest challenge to date. The question is will she be able to untangle the plots before someone actually kills her?
This installment was chocked full of action, intrigue abs subterfuge. It took quite a while to figure out who was behind all of the plots on Kayliya’s life. This also provides background information as to who the key players in this series is going to be in future installments. One of my favorite aspects of this read is how Raphael has grown on me and is managing to break down all of the barriers Kayliya has built around herself; but, I’d she doesn’t come clean about his real importance to her there might be a huge rift the side of the hole in the Titanic to deal with. Only time will tell.
October 2, 2023
I still can't stand Kaliya but she IS slowly (very slowly) growing a better personality, but not enough growth to make me like her or continue with this series if it was just her. We got to see Raphael grow more into his own & I finally have an opinion on him, I like him somewhat. At the moment. We shall see about him in the coming books.
I LOVED the storyline, very interesting. My favourite part about this book though, has to be the small snippet of my favorite Tribunal member, Isaiah (the vampire). I love that man & cannot wait to hear more of him. I used to like Hasan in the beginning of the Jacky Leon series but after a few books we see what a monster he truly is, so it is somewhat disconcerting to see him as the nice guy again in this series (Jacky Leon revelation has not happened yet in the timeline).
I feel for Nakul, he lost everything and became a broken man. It does not excuse what he did, but I definitely agree with his fate in the end.
Adhar is a very sick, psychopathic, disgusting, creature & monster! Even though they are nearing extinction, he seriously needs to die. He is HORRIBLE!
To be honest, everything I have read so far about the Naga species is not good. I think, in a way, it is good that they have died out a lot because they have some very very sick customs & sense of beliefs. Kaliya is just as guilty of this from what I have read so far. So far Naga's are my least liked species, hell, they are the only species I can categorically say, I don't like.
As I said before & in the first book review, I would not be continuing this series if it was Kaliya alone because I just cannot stand her character. I am continuing to read because of the snippets of other characters from the Tribunal Archive World we see in other series (Jacky Leon & Everly Abbott).
I LOVED the storyline, very interesting. My favourite part about this book though, has to be the small snippet of my favorite Tribunal member, Isaiah (the vampire). I love that man & cannot wait to hear more of him. I used to like Hasan in the beginning of the Jacky Leon series but after a few books we see what a monster he truly is, so it is somewhat disconcerting to see him as the nice guy again in this series (Jacky Leon revelation has not happened yet in the timeline).
I feel for Nakul, he lost everything and became a broken man. It does not excuse what he did, but I definitely agree with his fate in the end.
Adhar is a very sick, psychopathic, disgusting, creature & monster! Even though they are nearing extinction, he seriously needs to die. He is HORRIBLE!
To be honest, everything I have read so far about the Naga species is not good. I think, in a way, it is good that they have died out a lot because they have some very very sick customs & sense of beliefs. Kaliya is just as guilty of this from what I have read so far. So far Naga's are my least liked species, hell, they are the only species I can categorically say, I don't like.
As I said before & in the first book review, I would not be continuing this series if it was Kaliya alone because I just cannot stand her character. I am continuing to read because of the snippets of other characters from the Tribunal Archive World we see in other series (Jacky Leon & Everly Abbott).
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